Stories of Wool and Place with Jeanne Carver


  •  05.22.25
     6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Sheep herding and the wool industry have deep roots in Oregon. As part of this history, Jeanne Carver with her late husband Dan, owned and operated the Imperial Stock Ranch since the 1980s. Just a few short years later, the American wool industry began to collapse due to offshoring. They were ranching with a focus (more…)

Japanese American Culture Celebration


  •  05.17.25
     1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Join us for a celebration of Japanese American cultures. Featuring a performance by award-winning artist SORA Shodo, Ikebana workshops with Rachel Alm and paper crane making, this event will provide an opportunity to reflect and provide good wishes for the future. Hosted in partnership with the Japanese American Society of Central Oregon. 1:00 pm – (more…)

Birding for Breakfast


  •  05.10.25
     7:00 am - 9:00 am

The Museum provides an excellent habitat for migratory bird species. Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day by joining Museum staff and volunteers to explore the Museum grounds looking for warblers, raptors and other birds. Coffee and light breakfast items provided. Space is limited.  7:00 am – 9:00 am $25, Members receive 20% discount (more…)

Museum & Me


  •  05.08.25
     5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

A quieter time for children and adults who experience physical, intellectual and/or social disabilities to enjoy the High Desert Museum after hours. Explore the Museum’s newest exhibitions and revisit your favorites. Sensory packs are available to borrow with headphones, fidgets and more. 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm FREE for individuals, friends and family RSVP required. (more…)

Natural History Pub: How Sisters is Protecting Central Oregon’s Dark Skies


  •  05.05.25
     7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

The High Desert boasts some of the darkest night skies in the continental United States. Increasing light pollution emanating from developed areas, however, threatens the health of both nocturnal wildlife and humans. One community is taking the lead in protecting Central Oregon’s dark skies: the City of Sisters. In the last year and a half, (more…)

Exhibition Opening: Kids Curate


  •  05.03.25
     9:00 am - 5:00 pm

The 2025 Kids Curate exhibition at the Museum, curated by fourth graders from La Pine Elementary, focuses on the diverse perspectives of fire — as an agricultural tool to a community threat to a natural process. Artist Jake Kenobi visited La Pine Elementary to share his techniques with the students. He assisted students in creating “studio (more…)

Waterston Desert Writing Prize Submission Deadline


  •  05.01.25
     11:45 pm

Calling all emerging, mid-career and established nonfiction writers! Don’t miss your opportunity to submit your writing to the 2025 Waterston Desert Writing Prize. The Prize honors creative nonfiction that illustrates artistic excellence, sensitivity to place and desert literacy, with the desert as both subject and setting. The Prize winner receives a $3,000 cash award and (more…)